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What We Cannot Know

Explorations at the Edge of Knowledge

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What We Cannot Know

By: Marcus du Sautoy
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Summary

Britain’s most famous mathematician takes us to the edge of knowledge to show us what we cannot know.

Is the universe infinite?

Do we know what happened before the Big Bang?

Where is human consciousness located in the brain?

And are there more undiscovered particles out there, beyond the Higgs boson?

In the modern world, science is king: weekly headlines proclaim the latest scientific breakthroughs and numerous mathematical problems, once indecipherable, have now been solved. But are there limits to what we can discover about our physical universe?

In this very personal journey to the edges of knowledge, Marcus du Sautoy investigates how leading experts in fields from quantum physics and cosmology, to sensory perception and neuroscience, have articulated the current lie of the land. In doing so, he travels to the very boundaries of understanding, questioning contradictory stories and consulting cutting edge data.

Is it possible that we will one day know everything? Or are there fields of research that will always lie beyond the bounds of human comprehension? And if so, how do we cope with living in a universe where there are things that will forever transcend our understanding?

In What We Cannot Know, Marcus du Sautoy leads us on a thought-provoking expedition to the furthest reaches of modern science. Prepare to be taken to the edge of knowledge to find out if there’s anything we truly cannot know.

Astronomy & Space Science Cosmology Mathematics Physics Science Human Brain Black Hole
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Critic reviews

‘Brilliant and fascinating. No one is better at making the recondite accessible and exciting’ Bill Bryson

‘I felt I was being carried off on a wonderful journey, a thrilling research expedition to the teasing and mysterious boundaries of scientific knowledge, and I never wanted to turn back. Du Sautoy is a masterful and friendly guide to these remotest regions … It is absolutely fascinating throughout, and I really loved it’ Richard Holmes

‘I admire and envy the clarity and authority with which Marcus du Sautoy addresses a range of profound issues. His book deserves a wide readership’ Martin Rees, Astronomer Royal

All stars
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du Sotoy's passion and curiosity are positively infectious. Listening to this book is like listening to a child who's recently discovered some fact, or thought of a novel idea, and can't wait to share it with you.

And yet, the book is remarkably well structured, offers an amazing sampler platter of contemporary problems in science, maths, philosophy, and religion, and makes great use of interviews, storytelling, and imagery. I could easily see this becoming a BBC mini-series.

Fantastic Survey Course

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starts at a mid school level but gets better. some very good descriptions of hard concepts and a very enjoyable journey through maths, physics and philosophy. resolving God and the unknown at the end was a bit obvious but didn't spoil the book. definately worth 14 hrs.

good story, slightly sloppy end

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Undoubtedly worth a purchase. Using maths as a framework this books probes in to most of the recurrent 'big' questions humanity has. Very interesting. Very accessible. Very well narrated.

Fascinating is an understatement

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Fantastic overview of the history of physics from ancient greeks to renaissance and newton in particular and then focusing on the less clearly understood worlds of relativity and quantum mechanics
Then covers consciousness and a tiny bit of maths

Really enjoyed listening to the audiobook while pushing for the burn in the gym

Great for science fans

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Give it a try: you'll Love it! I especially liked the section on Gödel's Incompleteness Theorems.

Brilliant, illuminating, and fun!

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